Jindo: Characteristics, Grooming, Health, Training

Group: Hunting Dog

Also Known As: Korean Jindo Dog

About Jindo

Origin and History of the Breed The Jindo is known to have originated on Jindo Island in South West Korea. It is said that Jindo dogs descended from Mongolian battle dogs that were left on Korea's Jindo Island after the 13th-century Mongol invasion of Korea.

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A General Appearance of the Dog

It's medium-sized, coarse, double-coated body is either square or slightly longer than tall. It has been divided into two body types: Tonggol or Gyupgae and Hudu or Heutgae.

The Tonggol or Gyupgae is very muscular and shorter in body, with a depth of chest equal to one-half the height at the withers and a shorter loin, while the Hudu or Heutgae is more slender with somewhat less depth of chest and a slightly longer loin. Typically, males are larger with heavier heads and females have more fox-like features. These two types are gradually being blended into a third type called Gakgol, which retains the length of body of the Hudu style and the depth of chest of the Tonggol style.

The Jindo may reach full size by 5 months, but takes 2 years to mature physically and emotionally. A Jindo dog can either have a ring tail (rolled on its back) or an erect tail (straight up). Jindo dogs commonly possess Gingko nut-shaped yellowish brown eyes with clear pupils. The ones with reddish eyes are considered better hunters. They have erect, triangular, symmetrical ears. Korean law currently recognizes only white Jindo and red (tan) Jindo.

Some Jindo Island residents have valued black, black/tan and red/white ones for being good hunters over the years. The UKC recognizes five different coat colors: white, fawn, gray, black and tan, and brindle (tiger pattern).

Height: At maturity, desirable height is 19.5 to 21 inches for male dogs of this breed and 18.5 to 20 inches for females.

Weight: Healthy Jindo males should weigh 35-45 lb. While the ideal weight for female Jindo is 30-40 lb.

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Jindo is characterized by fierce and unwavering loyalty towards its master. It often takes much time for the dog to adjust to a new master or environment. However, there are many examples of older Jindo dogs being adopted out of shelters in the United States and becoming very loyal friends to their new owners.

Second, it has a miraculous instinct for returning home. Indomitable hunting instinct is another of the Jindo's prized specialities. It is capable of finding and hunting deer,rabbits etc. all by itself with the help of its superior sense of smell,courageousness and competitiveness.

The Jindo, when trained, displays amazing self-control when it comes to resisting temptations offered by strangers.

What makes the Jindo a favorite pet is its fastidious nature. It trains itself to defecate and urinate at specific places and keeps itself clean. Moreover, it refrains from stealing food and obediently awaits the master's permission to eat. Its protective nature, coupled with its superior sense of smell and hearing and ability to judge a stranger, makes it a treasured watchdog.

The Jindo has all the qualities to make a wonderful pet. However, like other independent breeds, they need firm handling by experienced, efficient masters. It is generally gentle, obedient and affectionate with people it is familiar with and aloof with strangers. A mistreated or badly trained Jindo can become violent.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The Jindo should be allowed to live indoors with the family as opposed to being relegated to the yard where he might get into mischief out of boredom or loneliness. They have been known to scale walls or fences 8 feet high. As long as they are sufficiently walked, the Jindo can be pleasant apartment dwellers due to their natural fastidiousness.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

Because of its prey drives, it might not be very reliable around other smaller animals and children, unless properly socialized from an early age. A Jindo sometimes takes resort to aggressiveness in its interaction with other dogs, in order to establish dominance over territory.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

Jindo dogs need reasonable space to roam and run. A minimum of two, 30-minute brisk walks are necessary to keep a Jindo dog fit and happy. Because of its prey drives, it is recommended that the Jindo be kept on leash during its walks. Although they are not naturally good at fetching, they can be trained to fetch.

Grooming

The Jindo has a double coat that sheds heavily twice a year. During the shedding season, extra care must be given to the coat. Warm baths can help the process along.

However, many of these dogs display a curious aversion from running water and avoid situations that might get them wet. They let themselves be washed, although with great reluctance. Daily brushing is necessary to remove the undercoat.

Health and Care

Genetic Problems

The Jindo is a relatively healthy dog. However,they are susceptible to Hypothyroidism.

Life Span

A healthy Jindo Dog is expected to live between 12 and 15 years.